KUALA LUMPUR: The government is planning on expanding the green energy industry with an eye on the export market once the country’s supply is stable, says Akmal Nasrullah Mohd Nasir.

The Deputy Energy Transition and Public Water Transformation Minister said the government was targeting 70% renewable energy supply in 2050.

"The government’s stance at the moment is for the country to use the renewable energy we produce for ourselves first before it is offered to other countries.

"There is a plan for energy exchange but we are still discussing this.

"We need to go through the process to prevent disruption of energy stability in the country and also, we need to ensure the sustainability of our country’s energy supply," he told the Dewan Rakyat on Tuesday (March 12).

Akmal was responding to Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong (BN-Ayer Hitam) who suggested that the government expand the green energy industry to the export market, as it would generate revenue for Malaysia.

Dr Wee in his supplementary question also asked why there was a limit imposed on green or solar energy consumption for individual residences.

To this, Akmal said the government was doing so because it needed to ensure a stable supply for renewable energy.

"The energy is generated through multiple methods, not just renewable energy. For example, our generation power system still relies on the energy sector.

"When the government allowed renewable energy to be installed at individual residences, this required those in charge of the supply system to ensure there is always supply.

"We have some constraints in terms of managing renewable energy such as its stability.

"This is among the reasons the government decided to do this in stages so that we don’t disturb the supply that we have today," he added.